Micelle formation, amphoteric surfactants

Surfactants are classified on the basis of the charge carried by the polar headgroup as anionic, cationic, nonionic, and amphoteric. Surfactant headgroups are dipoles, especially ionic ones that exist as ion pairs in hydrocarbon solvents. Electrostatic dipole-dipole attraction between headgroups in hydrocarbon solvents is the driving force for the formation of reverse micelles, or micellar aggregates, see Fig. 3.1 and Fig. 3.2. 

To achieve the above-mentioned objective, the following processes have to be considered (a) formation of H+ at an oxidized anode area (decrease of pH) and OH at a reduced cathode area (increase of pH) (b) dissociation of soluble compounds within an entire length of cell (c) movement of cations and anions into respective electrodes (d) displacement of negatively charged and pH-dependent colloidal particles of clays toward the anode (e) formation of pH-dependent complexes of EDTA-metals and their transport toward the anode (f) electroos-motic transport of inert particles (phenanthrene compound) toward the cathode (g) amphoteric surfactant behavior (in the presence of a variable pH within the cell), formation of micelles, and desorption of phenanthrene (h) displacement of micelles and their transformation and (i) transport and removal of conditioning liquids. 

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